At RotoProspects.com, we pride ourselves on being your source for up-to-the-minute bullpen updates that matter for fantasy baseball with our Fantasy Baseball Closer Chart. Whether it’s injury news, role changes, or late-inning trends, we monitor every bullpen across the league to help fantasy managers stay ahead of the curve.
As we move into the dog days of summer, MLB bullpens are under the microscope with the trade deadline looming and postseason races intensifying. Roles are shifting, new names are emerging, and veteran closers are fighting to prove they still belong.
Tanner Scott likely to hit the IL with injury
The Dodgers’ bullpen situation took a major turn on July 21 when Scott exited with left elbow discomfort during an outing against the Twins. He’s now expected to hit the injured list, a tough blow for a team already managing several bullpen injuries and inconsistency in high-leverage spots.
Kirby Yates steps up for the save
In Scott’s absence, the veteran Yates (pictured here) stepped into the ninth and nailed down the save on July 21. Though he made it interesting by loading the bases, Yates slammed the door with two big outs to secure the Dodgers’ win. With 97 career saves and a track record of closing success dating back to his All-Star season with San Diego in 2019, Yates brings experience and calm to a suddenly shaky bullpen.
Alexis Díaz called up to add to the mix
Adding further intrigue, the Dodgers recalled the former Reds closer on July 22. Díaz, who saved 37 games for Cincinnati in 2023, has spent most of 2025 in Triple-A Oklahoma City working on command and pitch efficiency. His call-up gives L.A. yet another potential late-inning option.
Dodgers eyeing Emmanuel Clase at the trade deadline?
According to recent reports, the Dodgers are one of the teams aggressively pursuing the Guardians closer ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. With Clase under team-friendly control through 2028, he’d represent a long-term solution in addition to a dominant short-term fix. Rumors suggest Los Angeles is willing to part with notable prospect capital to land him.
A quick look at the current Dodgers bullpen situation
| Team | Current closer | Backup | Next option | Dark horse |
| Dodgers | Kirby Yates* | Alex Vesia* | Anthony Banda | Alexis Diaz |
* denotes a committee.
Bottom Line: With Scott sidelined and the bullpen in flux, Yates has reclaimed relevance—and the Dodgers are likely to make a significant move before the deadline. Whether it’s Yates and Vesia holding it down or Clase stepping in, the ninth inning in L.A. is about to get a lot more interesting.
Don’t miss the next big change
Closer roles are among the most fluid in fantasy baseball—and the biggest source of sneaky value. That’s why it’s essential to stay on top of bullpen usage, velocity trends, and manager comments.
Our Fantasy Baseball Closer Chart does just that. We monitor every MLB bullpen so you can act before your league-mates do.